The Right to Protest Is Under Attack — And It Matters More Than Ever

Today, I sat down with Annie Leonard and André Carothers — co-authors of Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It — to talk about something fundamental to democracy that’s quietly being eroded: the right to protest.

This wasn’t just a conversation about activism. It was about power, democracy, and what happens when dissent becomes dangerous.

Protest Isn’t Optional — It’s Foundational

At its core, protest is simple:

People taking a stand to stop harm or advance a greater good.

But as Annie points out, it’s also incredibly diverse. Protest can look like:

• Marching in the streets

• Boycotting harmful companies

• Removing a symbol of injustice

• Organizing locally with your community

From the Boston Tea Party to Standing Rock to climate strikes — protest has always been a driver of change.

And it works.

Which is exactly why it’s being targeted.

A Surge of Anti-Protest Laws

Since 2017:

• 350+ anti-protest bills have been introduced

• Dozens are now law

• These laws exist in 49 states

Some of them:

• Criminalize protesting near pipelines

• Protect drivers who hit protesters

• Restrict long-standing tactics like marching

At the same time, corporations are using SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) to silence dissent.

These lawsuits aren’t meant to win — they’re meant to intimidate, drain resources, and shut people up.

One example? A $600+ million verdict against Greenpeace in North Dakota.

Why This Moment Is Different

We’re not just dealing with a climate crisis.

We’re in what Annie calls a “polycrisis”:

• Climate instability

• Democratic backsliding

• Growing inequality

• Attacks on civil liberties

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:

The political system is increasingly shaped by corporate power — not public will.

In the past, environmental movements helped pass landmark laws like the Clean Air Act.

Today, even overwhelming scientific evidence isn’t enough.

Because truth alone doesn’t create change. Power does.

The Missing Piece: Building Power

One of the most important takeaways from this conversation:

The climate movement doesn’t just need better messaging — it needs broader coalitions.

That means connecting climate to:

• Economic justice

• Public health

• Tax fairness

• Everyday costs of living

A great example: A campaign called “United to End Polluter Handouts.”

It doesn’t even mention climate.

Instead, it focuses on a simple idea:

👉 Why are taxpayers giving $20+ billion a year to fossil fuel companies?

That message resonates across political lines — because it’s about fairness.

Protest Still Works — But It Must Evolve

Protest alone doesn’t win change.

Think of it like laying stones in a path:

• Research

• Organizing

• Legal action

• Elections

• And yes, protest

Each plays a role.

But protest does something unique:

• It elevates issues

• It builds movements

• It signals to others that they’re not alone

And in moments like this, silence is not neutral — it’s noticeable.

“Imagine if San Francisco were silent right now,” Annie said. “That would send a message too.”

So… What Can You Actually Do?

Start simple.

• Join a local protest

• Find a group like Indivisible or Public Citizen

• Bring a friend

• Show up, even once

Because the data is clear:

People who take one small action are far more likely to stay engaged.

And if you feel like “just one person”?

Don’t be. Find another.

Choosing Hope Is Resistance

One of the most powerful moments from the conversation came from Annie:

“They’ve taken a lot from us. But I won’t let them take my sense of hope.”

In a world shaped by fear, disinformation, and overwhelm — hope itself becomes an act of defiance.

Final Thought

Protest is not fringe.
It’s not optional.
And it’s not outdated.

It’s one of the most powerful tools we have —
and one that’s increasingly under threat.

If it disappears, so does a core pillar of democracy.

So the question isn’t whether protest still matters.

It’s whether we’re willing to defend it while we still can.

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